System vs Rebirth

"It's amazing."

"To think that we would be able to witness such a thing."

"I don't know when, but my tears start to fall from my eyes."

"Right? I could feel their feelings when they did it."

The citizens were busy talking during the festival. After the parade, the road was opened again, and people began to set up stalls.

Of course, all of them had been bought by Noel so that the people could just enjoy the food without paying for anything. This festival would last for three days, which was a kind of gratitude from the Lord for their cooperation.

Howard and Harley became even more anxious because they had to ensure the security of this wedding.

Charlotte was handling all the details of the events. Dimitri took care of their guests while having a hard time holding back his tears.

Even though Leysha also wanted to see the wedding, she was satisfied that she was able to see the Moon Temple from afar.

The smiles on these people's faces didn't lie. Noel had become a strong individual, a good lord, and an excellent leader. And today, he could finally become a good husband… or even a good father. But that was the story for the future.

…

After they were done with the parade, Noel and Anna immediately went into their respective changing rooms.

The guests started entering the temple and taking their seats. Most of them were nobles, with the front seat reserved for the pillars of the Ardagan family, including his students, the Ezenholm family, the Stargaze family, and the Allevion family.

Noel also invited the mayor and a few commoners as a symbol to show that they were also a part of his life.

Noel had changed into a white tuxedo, which gave a contrast to his black hair and eyes, unlike the black military uniform during the parade.

He stood in front of the Saintess with a calm and collected expression despite feeling a bit nervous.

The people's gazes were on his back.

However, their attention soon shifted when an announcement echoed inside the room.

"The bride is entering the room."

All gazes turned to the entrance, including Noel.

The room turned silent for a second.

The guests were stunned.

Noel was dumbfounded.

There, they found a beautiful woman. Her blond hair had been tied into a bun on the back of her head, letting a bit of the wavy tip fall down. Her long side hair gently rested on her chest. Her enchanting purple eyes gazed upon the world with maturity and gentleness.

Her eyebrows looked slightly longer, making her gaze able to entrance the people who looked at her. Her pink, seductive lips looked glowing, brightening her entire atmosphere.

She was wearing a stunning white wedding dress. The bodice featured a sweetheart neckline with off-the-shoulder sleeves, adding a touch of romance and elegance.

A pair of pure white gloves covered her hands all the way to just below her elbows. The skirt was long, voluminous, and layered, with subtle sparkles throughout, giving it a magical and ethereal feeling.

She gracefully and slowly walked on the red carpet, her right hand resting on her brother's arm as he guided her to the groom.

She looked otherworldly, untainted by the bad things of this world. Her temperament, or even her makeup, made her look like a fairy descending into this world.

"So, this is the bride." One of them snapped back to reality, muttering in a low voice.

Even though they were supposed to be silent, the people couldn't help but express their shock.

Vivian covered her eyes as if she were about to cry, while Kevin simply pulled her into his embrace while gently stroking her arm to calm her down.

"It's no wonder why she is my granddaughter-in-law." Raincart nodded with a big smile on his face.

Dimitri kept wiping his tears as the same words continued to flash in his mind. 'The master's finally getting married. The master's finally getting married. The master's finally getting married.'

Dylan stopped right before the stairs. Before leaving Anna and heading to the rest of his family, Dylan looked at Noel for a bit. His gaze was firm as if he were saying, 'I leave my sister to you.'

Noel straightened his back, took a step forward and extended his hand.

As Anna took his hand, she climbed the four stairs that separated them from the others. Both of them were standing in front of the Saintess.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We're gathered here today to celebrate the union of Noel Ardagan and Anna Stargaze in marriage. Today, we witness the joining of two lives, two hearts, and two souls, as they commit to walk this journey together, hand in hand, through all of life's joys and challenges.

"In just a moment, Noel Ardagan and Anna Stargaze will share their vows with each other, expressing their deepest feelings and commitments. But before we proceed with the exchange of vows, let us take a moment to reflect on the love that has brought Noel Ardagan and Anna Stargaze together, the love that surrounds them from family and friends who have gathered here to support and witness this special occasion."

Anna and Noel held each other's hands tightly as both of them looked at the Saintess.

Instead of using the usual words, Noel chose to change them slightly to reflect their circumstances.

"I, Noel Ardagan, take you, Anna Stargaze, to be my wedded wife, my partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I promise to walk together with you, to laugh with you and to cry with you, and to honor and respect you in all that life may bring. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from the past, the present, and the future."

Anna looked surprised, especially with the last part. The past represented the Noel Ardagan, whom she knew in her previous life. The present was the person before her. The future expressed his everlasting love.

The Saintess noticed the difference and skillfully matched it. "Anna Stargaze, do you take Noel Ardagan to be your husband, to live together in sacred matrimony? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, and to be faithful to him to the end of time?"

The Saintess didn't understand what was going on, but the vows that Noel announced sounded like they transcended time. That was why, instead of 'until death do them part,' she chose these words.

Anna said with a smile, "I do."

The Saintess repeated it for Noel. "Noel Ardagan, do you take Anna Stargaze to be your wife, to live together in sacred matrimony? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, and to be faithful to her to the end of time?"

Noel also smiled. "I do."

"May we have the rings, please?"

Tristan walked to them nervously, holding a tray covered in dark blue cloth. On top of it were the two rings that were bestowed by the Sword Saint. Yes, they were the same rings that the ancestor of the Ardagan family and his wife wore in the past. It could be said that this marriage was also blessed by their ancestors.

Noel gently grabbed the ring and said, "With this ring, I thee wed and pledge my eternal love," before placing the rings on Anna's finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed and pledge my eternal love." Anna repeated the same thing as she put on the ring on Noel's finger.

"May the Spirit God witness the union of the two individuals under the melody of spirits' ethereal choirs." The Saintess immediately announced out loud, "By the power vested in me by the Moon Goddess, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss."

Noel and Anna turned to face each other. Anna's gentle smile was trying to loosen up the tension, while Noel was just stunned for a few seconds.

"What's wrong?" Anna asked.

"Nothing. It's just… you're so beautiful today."

Anna could feel his passionate gaze. She felt happy hearing those words… or she might feel a bit too happy. "That's the first time you called me beautiful."

Noel raised his eyebrows. Now that he thought about it, it was indeed true. He had always acknowledged her beauty as if it were common knowledge. And because he hated her so much in the past, praising her beauty never appeared in his mind, even after they became a couple.

That was why, for Anna, those words struck more deeply.

"Is that so?" Noel gently held her hands. "In that case, I will tell you how beautiful you are every day until you are tired of hearing it."

"There's no way it's going to happen." Anna chuckled, leaned forward, and kissed him.